Long Island Cheese Pumpkin

Planters Guide Long Island Cheese Pumpkin

Full to Partial Sun

Hardiness Zones 3 - 12

Soil pH 6.0 to 7.5

Germination 5 - 10 Days

70 to 110 days to Maturity

12 to 14 Inch Diameter

Color: Pale Orange

Weight 6 to 10 lbs.

Long Island Cheese pumpkin is an old New York heirloom. Today it is favored for its ornamental value but traditionally and historically it was, and still is considered by many to be the best cultivar for pumpkin pies. It is slightly flattened and circular resembling a wheel of cheese from whence it drew its name.

It does not yield prolifically, which is perhaps why it is not grown commercially on any extensive basis, the average yield is 2 -3 pumpkins per plant. What it lacks in yield it compensates for in flavor and storage capacity - shelf life, as it is considered to be one of the best storing pumpkins available. When harvested be sure to leave the stem intact so as to extend its shelf life.

Its skin is pale orange, the inner flesh is a deeper more vibrant vibrant orange. The seeds are edible and the flesh is delectable. The flesh is smooth, moist and sweet, and does not have the stringiness found in most other pumpkins and squash.

Most squash that we refer to as pumpkin belongs to the botanical families Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita Maxima, Long Island Cheese pumpkin belongs to Cucurbita moschata family and is more closely related to butternut squash and some zucchini.

Planting and Care of Long Island Cheese Pumpkin

Cucurbita moschata, the botanical classification that Long Island Cheese pumpkin falls into has a greater disease resistance and is more tolerant of hot, humid summer weather than other pumpkins but more sensitive to frost and light freezes. Soil temperature should be at least 60 F for germination.

Direct seeding pumpkins is not recommended in areas with short growing seasons. Pumpkins need at least three months of frost free, warm weather. If you live in a cool climate, start pumpkins indoors.

Water - Pumpkins have a high water content and need to be kept well watered they are not drought tolerant. Keep the pumpkins evenly moist and water deeply during dry spells. To prevent mildew, water pumpkin plants at their base, avoid watering the pumpkin foliage, as this will minimize the occurrence of opportunistic fungal infestations.

Plant indoors roughly 3-4 weeks before last the final frost date in your region. Soil temperatures for germination should be around 70 degrees F.

Transplant outdoors in the spring after a brief hardening off period, when the temperature is suitable and all danger of frost has passed. Spacing should be 24 - 36 inches.

Fertilizer and Soil - Pumpkins are heavy feeders. They need fertile, aerated soil that is 70 to 90 degrees F. Work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. The ideal Soil pH is 6.0 to 7.5, but they will grow on soils with a pH of up to 8.0.